Canada Revenue Agency scammers trying new tax fraud on old victims

They’ve already fallen victim to high-pressure fraudsters claiming to be Canadian tax officials.

Many handed over thousands of dollars — often paying in iTunes gift cards — to settle what they believed were outstanding tax bills.

In Southwestern Ontario, more than three dozen residents lost more than $140,000 to the scam last year.

Now, imposters are targeting these same people with a new fraud, police warned this week.

The original scam involved callers posing as Canada Revenue Agency workers who contacted residents across Canada, including the London region, threatening fines, asset seizures and even jail time if they don’t send money for overdue tax bills.

Canadian police reported a sharp decline in reports of the so-called CRA scam since their Indian counterparts raided “call centres” serving as alleged operations bases last fall, arresting dozens of suspects.

But now scammers are emailing victims of the CRA fraud, offering to refund their lost money.

The catch? All they have to do is pay a one-time, five per cent administration fee.

“Basically, they try to scam you a second and third and fourth time,” said Nancy Cahill of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Some recipients are asked to click a link in the email and provide personal information that may be used to steal their identity, Cahill added.

Authorities are warning citizens to be vigilant and never send money or personal information to anyone claiming to be from the CRA, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or police agencies.